Luxury Institute Survey: High Net Worth Consumers Rank Top Super-Premium Table Wines, Robert Mondavi Private Selection, Sterling Vintner's Collection and Raymond

According to the 2007 Luxury Institute Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI) survey of Super-Premium Table Wines, Robert Mondavi Private Selection edged out Sterling Vintner's Collection. Raymond placed third, followed closely by Chateau St. Michelle and Antinori.

Wealthy consumers who know the brand rate Robert Mondavi Private Selection highest in delivering consistently superior quality and being consumed by those who are admired and respected. Sterling Vintner's Collection ranks a very close second to Mondavi in overall LBSI, and rates above the benchmark on all component indices and outcome metrics tracked. It is also the top-ranked brand in terms of being "unique and exclusive."

"Most wine consumers know that independent peer reviews make the best recommendations. There are several empirical studies that prove that amateurs and experts alike often fail to differentiate wines in blind taste tests, and that brands make the big difference in selection," said Milton F. Pedraza, CEO of the Luxury Institute. "So why not depend on the collective wisdom of one's wealthy peers to provide a guide to the best super-premium wine brands?"

Twenty-two leading brands were rated, including: Antinori, Beaulieu Vineyard, Blackstone, Bogle, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Clos du Bois, Estancia Estates, Gallo of Sonoma, Kendall-Jackson, Kenwood, Louis Jadot, Luna di Luna, Marqués de Caceres, Meridian, Penfolds, Rancho Zabaco, Ravenswood, Raymond, Robert Mondavi Private Selection, Rosemount Estate, Ruffino, and Sterling Vintner's Collection.

A nationally representative sample of 1,200 wealthy consumers, who have consumed or purchased alcoholic beverages in the past six months, was surveyed online. Respondents had an average household income of $340k and average net worth of $2.7m. Survey results are weighted to match the demographic and net worth profile of the same audience according to the latest Survey of Consumer Finances from the Federal Reserve.

About the Luxury Institute

The Luxury Institute is the uniquely independent and objective ratings and research institution that is the trusted and respected voice of the high net worth consumer. The Institute provides a portfolio of proprietary publications and research that guides and educates high net-worth individuals and the companies that cater to them on leading edge trends, high net worth consumer rankings and ratings of luxury brands, and best practices. Publications include the monthly Wealth Report, the Luxury Brand Status Index surveys, the Luxury Best Practices surveys and the Luxury Consumer Experience Index surveys. To reach the Luxury institute, please call 646-792-2669, or go to www.luxuryinstitute.com .

Contact: Martin Swanson Vice President, Business Development The Luxury Institute (Office) 914-909-6350 (Cell) 914-715-3357 Email Contact www.luxuryinstitute.com